Indian Geography: UPSC Previous Year Questions (Geography)

Explanation

Option 1 is incorrect: Jackfruit(Artocarpus heterophyllus) is an evergreen tree native to tropical regions of Asia. It retains its foliage throughout the year unlike deciduous trees, which shed their leaves during certain seasons. The tree thrives in hot and humid climates and is known for edible fruit that grows directly from the trunk. Jackfruit trees are common in India, Bangladesh, and Southeast Asia Option 2 is correct: Mahua (Madhuca indica) is a deciduous tree found in the dry forests of Central India including parts of Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, and Chhattisgarh. This tree sheds its leaves during the dry season to conserve water. Mahua is culturally significant in tribal communities and its flowers are used to make a traditional alcoholic drink. The tree’s flowers are also edible and have medicinal properties.

Option 3 is correct: Teak (Tectona grandis) is one of the most valuable hardwoods in the world. It is a deciduous tree that sheds its leaves in the dry season between February and March. It is known for its durability, resistance to weathering, and ability to withstand termites which makes it highly sought after for furniture, shipbuilding, and construction.

Explanation

Option 4 is correct: The Rann of Kutch in Gujarat is an extensive marshland formed due to repeated falls in sea level. This region was a shallow part of the Arabian Sea. Over time tectonic activity and sea level changes caused the area to be-come landlocked and created a vast salt marsh. During monsoons it gets flooded and in the dry season it turns into a salty desert.

Option 1,2 and 3 are incorrect:

Bhitarkanika Mangroves is located in Odisha. These mangroves are coastal wetlands characterized by tidal waters and mangrove forests and not by repeated falls in sea level. Marakkanam Salt Pans is situated in Tamil Nadu. These are man-made salt pans used for salt production and not natural marshlands formed by sea level changes. Naupada Swamp is a freshwater wetland, not a salt marsh formed by sea level fluctuations. It is located in Andhra Pradesh.